WELL DONE: Jacob Townsend is congratulated by Jack Riewoldt after one of his six goals against Fremantle on Saturday. Picture: AAP

LEETON footballer Jacob Townsend has made a compelling case to be part of Richmond’s finals campaign after a stunning return to AFL football.

Townsend was recalled into the Richmond team for last Sunday’s clash with Fremantle in Perth, his first game at AFL level in 14 months.

The 24-year-old starred, kicking six goals to be among the Tigers’ best.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was pleased for Townsend after finally getting his chance.

“He was impressive wasn’t he?,” Hardwick said post game.

“Look, he’s had a really, really good year at VFL level, we probably just haven’t had the spot available for him.

“I was pleased for him, he’s hung tough all year. The coach hasn’t played him all year, he finally gets a reward and to finish with six goals is a terrific reward for a kid that’s hung tough all year.”

Townsend kicked two goals early to keep the Tigers in the contest. Hardwick said he played his role very effectively for the team.

“It was a great result, he worked incredibly hard,” he said.

“He had a bit of a job on Michael Johnson, which we were pleased with how that went and he got the rewards as well, which is terrific.”

Townsend makes stunning return to AFL for Tigers | Photos

Jacob Townsend in action for Richmond against Fremantle on Sunday. Picture: AAP

Jacob Townsend celebrates one of his goals on Sunday. Picture: AAP

Jacob Townsend celebrates a goal for Greater Western Sydney in 2014. Picture: The Age

Jacob Townsend in action for GWS. Picture: The Canberra Times

Jacob Townsend in action for GWS against Richmond in 2013. Picture: The Age

Clarke said Townsend had become frustrated by not getting an opportunity at AFL level but never gave up.

“He wouldn’t be human, or an athlete or a competitor if he wasn’t disappointed at getting senior opportunities but he just stuck to his guns and knew what he had to work on and full credit to him,” Clarke said.

“He just put his hand up when he got the opportunity and there you go, six goals.”

Clarke said Townsend’s form at VFL level, that attributed to his AFL selection, had been brilliant.

“Towner has been working really hard in the VFL throughout the whole year, as all our players have been,” Clarke said.

“His form has been really, really good. Really consistent, he’s played a bit of time through the midfield but he’s also changed his game a little bit, he’s gone forward at times to try to get his opportunity to play senior footy.

“Certainly he got frustrated a little bit throughout the year, as you do when you’re in good form, but he got his opportunity and took it with both hands.”